Our Reflection in the Mirror, A tale of split images?

/ Yinka (Anthonia) Gansallo-Lawrence

mirror

Look into the mirror, and the impression that jumps back at you is familiar. Why? Because it is expected. Even when we pretend like we never saw it coming. It is right there. It could be favorable or not so cool, but it will only show us an outward reflection of who we are. Mirrors don’t lie. They only show a part of truth. A broken mirror can enlarge a face up to a dimension of a small planet. The problem is how we handle the reflection we get. Are we really who we are seeing? Or what we want the world to see? Hmm.

Growing up in the Brazilian-Quarters of Lagos, among the many passed-down antiques from my grandparents was this beautiful crafted long standing mirror. It must have been about 6 feet tall with artisan crafted edges made with dark polished wood trimmings, the spiral-cursive finishing of the wood in resemblance to the Portuguese architectural arch molding on the house, splendid to touch which makes me wonder as a child, how many hours it took to build this mirror! That mirror was my greatest companion. In front of that mirror – I ruled the world with my singing and dancing, well that was decades ago!

Unlike any other furniture in our home, it stood alone, always in the center to create awareness for vain on-lookers, served as a meeting point for aunts and cousins to adjust their hats before leaving for Easter mass at the Cathedral, and also drag back any passerby who’s chosen to ignore its beauty. The mirror itself was a view to withhold. It carried volume in appearance. It sorrowfully departed the world through my Brother’s 1980’s-disco moves on his newly-acquired roller skate! ‘Love you still, Bros!

So, sometimes mirrors give us a false sense of confidence. The reflection that we see every day has nothing to do with how others see us. A crack in that glass and the reflection we get back is awkward and not very pleasant. This is just like our individual crack in life. What others sees about us that’s glamorous and appealing is exactly the cover page we worked hard to display. The secrets the mirror has is our before and after. Our true identity. Our natural image. Be it good or bad. It tells, If we are tender in our approach towards other people’s feeling? If we are judgmental? If we harbor hatred or love outwardly or buckled up with guilt, inwardly. If the words of our mouth blesses or discriminate? If our attitude is divinely appealing or just enviously-bad! Are we two-faced? Do we take other people’s feelings for granted? Do we even care, if our purpose of existence is in line with God’s plan? Even the mirror knows all about our split images, before the glass cracks.

Today, I am encouraging someone to stare right back at that mirror with a positive attitude. With all absolute human certainty that no one can really know their own beauty or perceive a sense of their own worth until it has been reflected back to them in the mirror of another loving, caring human being.

We all carry with us through life a mirror, as unique and impossible to get rid of as our shadow, and because we sometimes can’t see what’s right in front of us, because it’s behind us, we’re still looking into the past! Our God is like a mirror, Consistent, Stable, and Un-changing; He reflects His image of us even when we break the glass. He see us Clear, Crystal and Undimmed. Let’s bolster our attitude, so our image and reflection are connected.

May God help us all!
Yinka

“Your adornment must not be merely external – braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God.”-I Peter 3:3&4

22 thoughts on “Our Reflection in the Mirror, A tale of split images?”

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  3. Not trying to put my “Christianese” out there but the Bible says we are made in the image and likeness of God, so when we look into a mirror or dare I say look at another person; we are looking at the image of God, go figure. Although when we have strayed away from Him and done, said, or thought those things we should not, that image then truly is not of God. As you have rightly said “stare right back at that mirror with a positive attitude”, with a pure heart and good intentions. Don’t put a facade up, which conceals your inner being. Remember even if the true image is not seen in the physical, God sees in the spirit and those with pure hearts will also see. Let’s keep it pure, plain and simple.

    God’s Peace.

    Kaylaw.

    PS. I bet you Syl can still bust those moves. Lol

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  5. Yinka, this write up reminded me of one you wrote in 1992, titled “Raindrops” honoring Ken Saro Wiwa. You definitely still GOT it. So proud of you and the woman you are today. I can’t really say you’re a typical blogger because your writing skills surpasses it. You stand out! You started way back as a kid, who would pick a pen and write on for hours in your diary, all pouring from the heart. Your words testifies and people are drawn towards the value of the lessons from it. God bless you richly. So proud of you.

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    • LOL. I think my Dad still has the diary in his home office… “Raindrops in Bori –
      aftermath of assassination? or “Soja Boy? will ask him!
      Thanks for your kind words.

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  7. Ms. Antonia, we grew up in Mexico where part of our tradition included having mirrors on the front porch or various corners of the house. As children then, we would dance and sing in front of the mirror until chased away from it. I relate to this very well. Our reflection, is an image of who and what we are. Our true identity comes during interactions with other people. I like how you said, we can only see our beauty through the reflection of the lives we have touched. Good one. Keep it up.
    Anasazi L.

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  9. Speaking of our reflection, and how we carry ourselves, it’s definitely a split image issue. A lot of people with low self esteem appear brave in front of the mirror, and becomes a weakling outside their comfort zone.
    Again, two faced appearance, which is very common, especially when people are envious, jealous or trying to become what they are not. Instead of learning from other people, they tear them down with their cruel words, all because, it’s a task they can’t comprehend. But God is the divine maker, and to each one, his calling. So instead of trying to be what you’re not, instead of pulling people down with your complex issues, look into your life, through the mirrors of your heart and be a positive influence. Well written Antonia. I really like this.
    John. UK.

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  10. Our reflection, the table set before us, the day of grace, our day of reckoning, our priceless gift to humanity, only when it’s aligned in God’s hands. I appreciate this write up. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Mirror mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all? – our reflection!
    Anthonia, I like how you traveled back in time to narrate the encounter of your home mirror and brought us back to see how it’s just a tool for reflecting. Very well written and express. Good job my dear friend.
    Danielle.

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